Raith Rovers’ second competitive outing sees them involved in their second derby of the season, as East Fife travel to Stark’s Park in the first round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.
After being dumped out of the Alba Challenge Cup by Cowdenbeath last weekend, John McGlynn’s men will need to up their game against a Methil side which has looked impressive throughout the summer.
Though only Mark Campbell is missing, Rovers’ preparations have only been further hindered by a 5-0 friendly thrashing by Dundee United in midweek.
McGlynn admitted that Saturday’s match is a big one, but asked the fans to play their part. He said, “It’s another derby game and the expectations are high. We’re the first division side and East Fife are the second division side and so the pressure is on us.
“We just have to ask the fans to be behind us.”
He added, “It’s a big, big game and we’re looking to respond to last Saturday.”
Meanwhile, his East Fife counterpart Stevie Crawford was far more relaxed heading into the game.
The former Raith Rovers player appears quietly confident as his new-look squad make the short journey down the coast.Sloan’s influenceOne of those new faces is Robert Sloan, who joined up at Bayview after being released by Rovers in the summer.
Crawford admits that he has looked to the former Raith midfielder for tips as he attempts to find the tactical masterstroke that would pull off a major cup shock.
He said, “I’ve been talking to Sloany as it would be silly not to ask about players and how the team will set up.
“The report I got back from the Dundee United game was that they were up against a very good side so it would be unfair to judge them on that performance.
“My main concern is that we try and keep playing positively.”
One former Rover who will not be lining up against his old club is striker Stevie Hislop, who is on honeymoon, although Crawford should have the rest of his squad to choose from.
Crawford added to that squad late on Friday afternoon with the loan signing of Kurtis Byrne from Hibernian until January.
The 20-year-old Dublin-born striker was a member of Hibs’ under-19 side who won a league and cup double in 2008/9 and also had a spell on loan at Stirling Albion towards the end of last season.
The Fifers are hoping that all the necessary paperwork can be done and dusted before kick-off to allow Byrne to play at Stark’s Park.